NMEA 2015 will have a wide variety of field trips, which we will highlight here as we get closer to the conference. We are starting with this trip to Block Island because it is limited to 22 participants and early sign-up is highly encouraged - especially to obtain your preference in lodging accommodations!

It will be an active and moderately strenuous introduction to Block Island, a 10 square mile island located 13 miles off the Rhode Island coast with a winter population of about a thousand residents. The trip will include an overnight stay at either The Surf Hotel or The National Hotel, both overlooking Old Harbor.

Available rooms at this peak holiday time on Block Island do differ to some extent and will be assigned on a first come/first choice basis (with an option to upgrade if available).

The field trip itself will include:

Ferry excursion to and from Block Island

An island tour

A “wet & dirty” salt marsh exploration

An update on Native American archaeological sites exposed by recent erosion

A visit to the Block Island Historical Society

An early morning kayak expedition across the Great Salt Pond accompanied by local naturalists

Lighthouse tours

An update on the Deep Water Wind Offshore project

A geological “plunge” off the bluffs

A visit to Sun Farm Oysters with its solar upwellers

A guided beach hike to the North Light surrounded by dunes filled with nesting gulls

Interested in learning more? Visit our Block Island field trip page for full details. If you have any questions, need further information about this trip, or are ready to lock in your hotel and room assignment and register, please contact Lorrie Martin via e-mail here>